Early birds get double bill bonus

Two years ago the Auction Barn Jamboree added an early-bird concert by David Church on the evening before the jamboree opened.

This year the lucky ones who get their tickets in time will get a double-bill featuring long-time country favourite Gene Watson and David Church.

Jamboree organizer Gary Warner promises this will be a memorable evening. Gene and the Farewell Party Band are driving up from Texas for this concert only.

Fans will be treated to some of the best old-time country music anywhere in this pre-jamboree concert at the Keeler Centre. The $30 tickets have been on sale for a couple of weeks and well over 30% are already sold. Once the last one is sold, you're out of luck. Passes for the rest of the jamboree are not valid at the Watson/Church performances.

Anyone who goes back a bit will remember some of Gene's big hits. Farewell Party was one of the biggest country tunes ever by the man with the 'hard' traditional country sound.

The man with the golden voice also made hits out of Love in the Hot Afternoon, Paper Rosie and One-sided Conversation.

His success, including performances at the Grand Ole Opry, has earned him a place in the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

David Church made his first appearance at the jamboree two years ago. This will be his first Canadian show of 2009.

North America's number one tribute artist is known across the continent for his Hank Williams Show.

David received the prestigous, "Rising Legend" award for 2006 from the National Traditional Country Music Association. This award is only presented to fast rising artists in traditional country music.

David Church is more than a tribute artist, having written numerous songs that have gained air play on country music stations across the U.S.

The early bird concert is part of Gary Warner and Linda Grills' plan to build the jamboree, making each year a little bigger and a little better than the last.

Tickets are available in Colborne at Warner's Auction Hall, in Trenton and Belleville at Arden's, in Cobourg at Vezina Auto and in Marmora at Cook's Barber Shop.